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5 family-friendly essential oils

Essential oils are handy to have in the medicine cabinet to tackle all types of small ailments and to ease symptoms of conditions as widely ranging as head lice, colic and sore throats. Find out the most useful family-friendly essential oils you can keep in your home:

Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is the most commonly used oil in aromatherapy because of its tranquilising and relaxing effects. Chamomile oil is also known for its pain relieving properties, particularly when associated with headaches, earaches and toothache.

Headaches

Dilute chamomile oil in a carrier oil and massage in to the temples and base of the neck, or use in a compress.

Insomnia

Create an inhalation by adding a couple of drops of chamomile oil to boiling water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and deeply breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes before bed.

Colic

Rose oil

Not only is rose oil one of the most beautifully smelling and highly desired essential oils – even today with the creation of synthetic oils, it is the most commonly used essential oil in perfume making – it is also has highly desirable medicinally, particularly in regards to its antiseptic, antispasmodic and antiviral properties.

Clear congestion

Relief from congestion due to hayfever, asthma and coughs, add 3- 5 drops of rose oil to boiling water. With a towel over your head and the bowl, inhale the vapours for 5 minutes.

Scalp treatment

Rosemary oil

The same plant that makes the perfect accompaniment to a lamb roast, works wonders medicinally too. Best known for its therapeutic effect on the brain and nervous system, rosemary oil is also effective in the treatment of ailments as wide ranging as diarrhoea to depression.

Bad breath

Add 2-3 drops of rosemary oil to boiled water. Allow to cool before gargling and rinsing with the mixture.

Dandruff

Studying

Use rosemary oil in a burner to infuse the air around kids when they are studying to boost mental energy.

NOTE

Rosemary oil should not to be used by women in the first four months of pregnancy or by those suffering high blood pressure.

Geranium oil

Geranium oil may bring to mind the pretty flower that is often seen in gardens, but the oil that is distilled from these flowers is prized. Unusually it has both sedative and uplifting properties that make is a very versatile essential. Geranium oil is valued for its diuretic properties and is often used in massage, particularly on cellulite, as well as its ability to tackle all manner of skin conditions.

Breast engorgement

Deodorant

Geranium oil regulates sebum production so a couple of drops work well to minimise sweat – and the effect is long-lasting which makes it an ideal deodorant.

Sandalwood oil

Sandalwood oil is extracted from Sandal tress and is often the smell that many people associate with incense. Sandalwood has many medicinal properties but is best known for its disinfectant and expectorant properties.

Throat infections

Add 2 drops of sandalwood oil and 2 drops of thyme oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage into the external throat area. Wrap the massaged area to keep it warm.

Skincare

Carrier oils

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil that is used to dilute an essential oil before use. Some essential oils used directly on the skin can have an irritating effect, particularly on children, so many are diluted with a vegetable oil to carry the essential oil to the skin. If you are planning on doing the diluting yourself, you can use any type of vegetable oil, but popular choices are:

Sweet almond oil

Sunflower oil

Olive oil

Evening primrose oil

Essential oils for children

Most children respond very well to the use of essential oils but it is important to use less of each oil. Generally, 1/3 of an adult dose is recommended for kids. Additionally, because children’s skin is usually more sensitive than adult’s, it is a good idea to use a carrier oil when applying essential oils to the skin.